Prunella Scales is to appear in an adaptation of Nina Bawden’s novel Carrie’s War at the Apollo theatre from 18 June (press night 24 June).
The production, which first played at Sadler’s Wells over Christmas 2006, also stars Sarah Edwardson, who reprises the role of Carrie, plus Amanda Symonds and James Beddard. Andrew Loudon directs.
Bawden’s classic 1973 novel is based on the author’s own childhood experiences during World War Two. The story centres on evacuees Carrie and Nick Willow, who are billeted with old Mr Evans and his kind sister Lou in the mining valleys of Wales. At Christmas, they are sent to Druid’s Bottom to collect a goose from Mrs Gotobed (Scales) where they meet Hepzibah the witch and eccentric Mister Johnny and hear about the curse of an ancient skull.
Carrie’s War is adapted for the stage by Emma Reeves, whose adaptation of Little Women ran in the West End in 2004. She has also written frequently for television, including The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Doctors, Belonging and The Murder of Princess Diana.
Scales is one of the country’s best loved actresses who has enjoyed an extensive career across stage, screen and radio, including appearances on the London stage in Single Spies, Make Or Break and An Evening With Queen Victoria. On television she is probably best known for playing Sybil Fawlty in 70s sitcom Fawlty Towers, though her enduring screen career has also included the Oscar-winning film Howard’s End, Alan Bennett’s A Question Of Attribution and sitcom After Henry.
Carrie’s War begins performances at the Apollo theatre following a trio of productions; Richard Greenberg’s Three Days Of Rain, which is currently playing at the venue, is followed in May by comedian Rob Brydon’s stand up show Rob Brydon Live! (11 to 23 May) before Peter Schaufuss brings his latest dance show Marilyn to the theatre for a short run from 3 to 13 June.
Carrie’s War is initially booking to 12 September, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the start of World War Two on 3 September. Further casting is to be announced.
CB